Brookdale Scholarship Opened the Door to a Summer of Learning in South Korea

For Brookdale Community College student My Hanh Sophia Le of Oakhurst, New Jersey, studying abroad in South Korea this summer was more than an opportunity to travel. It was a chance to experience firsthand how culture influences business, communication, and global marketing.

Sophia spent part of summer 2026 in South Korea after receiving the Jody Calendar Travel Scholarship, which made it possible for her to enroll in an intensive Korean language program. She is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Business with a concentration in Marketing, and the experience provided valuable insights that will help shape her future career in an increasingly global marketplace.

Inspired by lessons learned in her business courses at Brookdale, Sophia used her time abroad to observe how Korean culture influences professional relationships, customer service, advertising, and workplace traditions.

Before leaving for South Korea, Sophia reflected on what she hoped to gain from the experience.

“My business professors have emphasized the importance of understanding unfamiliar cultures when working with clients around the world,” Sophia said. “While I’m in Korea, I want to see how teams celebrate success, what is considered appropriate in professional settings, how advertising connects with consumers, and how customer service differs from what we experience in the United States. I hope this experience will make me better educated and better prepared for my future career.”

By combining intensive language study with cultural immersion, Sophia returned with a deeper appreciation for different cultures and the global perspectives that today’s employers increasingly value.

Experience Sophia’s journey: Watch Sophia’s study abroad vlog for a glimpse into her summer learning experience in South Korea.

A World of Opportunities at Brookdale

Brookdale Community College is committed to preparing students for success in a connected world by promoting global engagement through education abroad, international student support, co-curricular programming, and the integration of global perspectives throughout the curriculum.

Students can choose from a variety of international learning opportunities, including independent semester, Jan-Term, and summer study abroad programs; short-term faculty-led experiences; and internships and community service opportunities abroad.

Each summer, Brookdale’s International Education Center also sponsors faculty-led study abroad programs lasting between seven and fourteen days. Embedded within semester-long courses taught by Brookdale faculty, these immersive experiences allow students to earn academic credit while exploring history, culture, and contemporary issues beyond the traditional classroom.

Upcoming faculty-led programs for Summer 2027 include Denmark, Germany, Iceland, and the Netherlands, offering students even more opportunities to expand their education through international travel.

To learn more about Brookdale’s study abroad opportunities, visit Brookdale’s Study Abroad and International Education webpages.

Honoring a Legacy of Global Exploration

Sophia’s experience was made possible through the Jody Calendar Travel Scholarship, established in memory of Jody Calendar, wife of Dean Emeritus Dr. Carl Calendar. Having traveled to more than 50 countries, Jody Calendar believed deeply in the life-changing power of international experiences. The scholarship honors her passion for exploring the world while helping Brookdale students pursue educational opportunities abroad that broaden their perspectives and prepare them for global careers.